The notch in the ridge of the Malvern hills is where the B4218 passes through the cutting.
The pub on the Wyche Road close to the cutting was The Herefordshire Arms, but is now known as The Wyche Inn.
This housing is known as the Upper Wyche area of Malvern Wells civil parish.
The photo was taken from Malvern Common by the Peachfield Road.
A contributor to the site has suggested, in answer to the question about the purpose of this pipe: it may be connected to a local sewer to vent sewer gas (methane) - so it needs to be above the nearest housing to prevent sewage passing out of it if a blockage occurs.